Claim Me Captain! I'm Addicted to You!-Chapter 441: It’s Time

Georgia’s POV

"Are you alright, love?" Nick murmured, leaning closer as we listened to Ella’s sister deliver her maid of honor speech in the wedding reception. "You barely ate earlier."

The night was beautiful—laughter spilling into every corner, tables overflowing with food, the wedding planner moving like a quiet miracle behind the scenes. Everything was perfect... and yet, something inside me felt slightly off.

"I’m fine," I said softly. "Just tired. After my speech, I’ll rest in the private room for a bit."

"Alright," he said, pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. "I’ll take you there."

When it was finally my turn, the wedding planner caught my eye from across the room and flashed me two enthusiastic thumbs up. Everything was ready.

I rose slowly, careful of my balance, and took the microphone from the host.

"Good evening, everyone," I began, smiling as familiar faces looked back at me. "Some of you know me, some of you don’t. I’m Liam’s sister-in-law, and Ella has been my best friend since primary school." A few chuckles followed. "And now, not only is she my sister-in-law... she’s also the person who made one of my lifelong dreams come true."

I paused, emotion swelling in my chest. "That dream was for us to be a real family one day. We were family by choice back then—and today, we’re family by law. Hopefully," I added lightly, "not that I am in a hurry, but I hope it won’t be long before Ella and Liam have a baby of their own, so our children can be family by blood too."

Laughter rippled through the room.

"And speaking of babies," I said, gesturing to my very obvious belly, "standing for too long is becoming a bit of a challenge. So instead of talking your ears off, I prepared something special—for my best friend and my brother-in-law. Don’t get me wrong, I am not running away from my speech. But I want to show everyone how I witnessed their love, even before they realized it. I think this one will be enjoyed by everyone more."

The room buzzed with curiosity as I nodded at the planner. The lights dimmed, the projector flickered on, and I returned to my seat beside Nick, his hand immediately finding mine.

The screen filled with memories—childhood photos, family gatherings, candid moments sent by Violet, Ella’s mom, and countless stolen shots from my own phone. Moments when they thought no one was looking. Glances held a second too long. Smiles that already knew.

Nick and I were smiling through the video when a small tug pulled at my skirt.

"Mommy," Katie whispered urgently, "I need to pee."

I glanced around for Wendy or her nanny, but the room was dark. I leaned toward Nick. "We’ll just go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back."

He nodded, squeezing my hand.

Holding Katie’s, I stood carefully and slipped away—unaware that the night still had one more surprise waiting for me.

********

Georgia stood alone in the softly lit restroom, the distant hum of music and laughter muffled behind the thick walls. She leaned against the marble vanity, one hand braced on its cool surface, the other resting instinctively on the heavy curve of her belly.

"Almost done?" she called gently.

"In a second, Mommy," Katie’s small voice answered from inside one of the cubicles.

Georgia closed her eyes for a moment. Then it hit her.

Not a sharp pain, but an overwhelming heaviness—deep, dragging, as if her lower back had suddenly turned to stone. She sucked in a breath, fingers curling against the edge of the sink.

Before she could steady herself, warmth spread down her legs.

"Oh... fuck," she muttered under her breath.

Her water had broken.

The realization landed fast, stealing the air from her lungs. She swallowed hard, heart pounding, another wave of pain rolling through her body—stronger this time, unmistakable.

The cubicle door opened.

Katie stepped out, washing her hands, then froze when she saw her mother’s face—pale, damp with cold sweat, lips pressed tight as she fought through the pain.

"Mommy?" Katie asked, her voice small. "What’s wrong?"

Georgia forced herself to straighten, even as her hand flew to her stomach. She managed a shaky smile. "Sweetheart, I need you to do something very important for me, okay?"

Katie nodded quickly, eyes wide.

"Go to Daddy," Georgia said softly, crouching a little to be closer to her. "Whisper to him that he needs to bring Mommy to the hospital. Don’t let others hear you; they will panic, and Aunt Ella and Uncle Liam’s wedding will be ruined. Just keep it a secret between you and Daddy, okay?"

Another contraction hit before Katie could move. Georgia gasped, a low moan slipping past her lips as she clutched her belly, her knees trembling.

Katie panicked. "Mommy! What’s happening? I—I don’t want you to die!"

Georgia shook her head immediately, even as sweat trickled down her temple. She smiled—gentle, reassuring, fierce despite the pain. "I’m not dying, sweetheart. Mommy’s okay. The baby... the baby is about to come out. You will be a big sister now."

She brushed her fingers over Katie’s cheek. "Go get Daddy. Hurry."

Katie didn’t hesitate.

She ran.

Out of the restroom, through the glow of fairy lights and clinking glasses, straight toward the crowd. She tugged at Nick’s coat, speaking fast, breathless—but the music drowned her out.

Nick frowned and said, "Can you repeat that? I didn’t hear you."

Frustration bubbled over the little girl.

"The baby is coming!!!" Katie screamed.

The room fell silent.

Everyone’s head snapped toward her. Nicks’s face drained of color as understanding slammed into him. Without a word, he scooped Katie up, crossed the distance in seconds, and gently placed her into Prudence’s arms, who was sitting beside him.

"Look after her," he said urgently, already turning away. "I have to go."

In no time, he was running straight toward Georgia.

Nick froze as he saw Georgia just outside the bathroom, cradling her belly and back, smiling through pain. "Let’s go, my love," she whispered. "It’s time."